Readers sound off on Puerto Rico, the NFL and Germany

Trump and rescuing Puerto Rico

Rockaway Park: Puerto Rico and Texas are major disasters with many people suffering, penniless, homeless, injured or dead, facing a bleak future ("Prez to P.R.: Tough," Sept. 26).

And the focus is on some asinine rich football player kneeling and disrespecting the flag and some rich basketball players speaking in tongues. How about they get off their stupid knees, shut their holes and open their wallets to help those in need in Puerto Rico?

Advertisement

On top of that, The News takes Trump's words and spins them to say that he tells Puerto Rico to pay its debt. In fact, he mentioned that to be one of their problems, which has to be dealt with; it doesn't mean he said to pay their debt. Again it's a boldface twisting of a comment by the Communist New Cuba Daily News. Have you no shame? Jesus Linares

Greenburgh, N.Y.: The News quoted President Trump stating that "Puerto Rico is in deep trouble." I think he should call in the Marines, Air Force, Navy, National Guard and Army to expedite the cleanup, the restoration of power, and the rebuilding of homes (even temporary) and commercial buildings that were destroyed by the hurricane. He should do the same for the Virgin Islands.

When the United States is at war and we send in troops, our military is able to quickly build roads, bridges and infrastructure. Why can't we do the same for our own country? Paul Feiner

Relatives in trouble

Washingtonville, N.Y.: We need help getting my grandparents to New York. Their house in Dajaos Barrio, Bayamon, P.R., is damaged and it's not safe. My grandfather is 93, he has Alzheimer's and is bedbound and has not been able to walk for over 18 months. My grandmother is 92, diabetic with a heart problem. She is also asthmatic. They left the house last week in a rush. We don't know if they took enough medicine, and if they did, they only took a few days' supply. My mom in Brooklyn will take them in, and we want to pay for the plane tickets, but we have lost contact with the person who was able to help get them to the airport and put them on the plane. Jennifer Guzman

Not just Puerto Rico

Brooklyn: We are all saddened over the devastation, destruction and loss of life these hurricanes are causing. The coverage of Mexico and Puerto Rico is constant, with hardly a mention of the U.S. Virgin Islands — St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, etc. Our families are spread all over. More inclusive reporting would be greatly appreciated. Dorothy Matthews

A new deal for Puerto Rico

Brewster, N.Y.: In the wake of the disastrous hurricane that struck Puerto Rico, Congress should consider taking a page from American history. Specifically, the New Deal that President Franklin Roosevelt championed during the tumultuous 1930s when our nation teetered on collapse. By creating an opportunity, like the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration, where men and women from the island nation would have a hand in rebuilding their home and receive a paying job, too, it would be the beginning of a rebirth for Puerto Rico and its people, one that they could be proud of. Kevin F. McMurray

Protest in its place

Erwinna, Pa.: Every American has the right to protest peacefully, but not at the workplace. Owners who condone it set a bad precedent. What's next, a teller at a bank taking a knee? Or a server in a restaurant doing the same thing? Freedom of speech at public rallies is part of our heritage. However, employees with personal beliefs of any kind are not entitled to express those views while working and not expect criticism. The First Amendment is not a one-way street. Jerome M. Becker

Praise John, ding Don

Bronx: Morning Joe righteously spoke on the shameful way President Trump has taken to blaming Sen. John McCain on the failure of version No. 101 of a horrible health care plan — insulting a man who has honorably served his country and stood up for the people by putting their needs first (instead of party). The people of Alabama who booed when Trump attempted to call McCain out and the radio talk show host who did not correct this bloated "dotard" should all hang their heads in shame. The 3% of Americans who fawn over everything this five-time draft-dodging man says should take a moment and take stock of what he is doing to this nation. Trump is certainly not "making America great again." Dorothy Garvin

Tweeting twit

Highland Mills, N.Y.: Over the last week our man-baby, race-baiting President tweeted nearly 20 times about his displeasure with the NFL. He has lost what little of his feeble mind he had left. He is trying with all of his might to distract from the abysmal job he is doing and the corruption he is hiding. Like all compulsive liars, crooks and megalomaniacs, he, too, shall be brought down to size — sooner rather than later! Elizabeth R. Profiro

Childish NFL behavior

Valley Stream, L.I.: Why should President Trump and his administration take the NFL and its players seriously? I look at the stunt in the end zone by the Giants' Odell Beckham Jr. on Sunday and I see a selfish athlete who only cares about himself. Beckham has a lot to prove as a player because he certainly is no Jerry Rice. Joseph Cavaliere

Not all NASCAR

Inglewood, Calif.: Re: "Knee-farious" (Sept. 26): The News' story was all good except for one part. It said NASCAR threatened to fire drivers and crew members who protested the anthem. From what I've been reading, Richard Childress, a team owner, and Richard (The King) Petty, team owner and former driver, both said they would fire crew members if they were to protest. Also Tony Stewart, team owner and former driver, said the protest is disrespectful and shouldn't be done. A lot of people have been saying NASCAR as an organization supports the President, and it's just not the case, even if some drivers and a majority of the fans do support the President. I'm a black NASCAR fan who supports those who protest, so don't think I'm trying to bash you. I just want to support the sport I watch every weekend. Kendall Ivory

German democracy

Brooklyn: So Angela Merkel "won" her fourth term as chancellor of Germany. Did anyone else notice that she only got 33% of the vote? Many people in the U.S. complain of President Trump's low approval rating as a sign of his unpopularity. Yet Merkel is starting her new term with only 33% approval rating, meaning that 67% of German voters didn't want her to be chancellor again. That's some democracy the Germans have over there! Joseph Passaretti

Stay focused, Mr. Mayor

Forest Hills: I moved to New York from Jersey in 1951. All the statues were standing and were there long before my move. First the mayor and his cohort were spending money and wasting time in trying to remove the horses and carriages from Central Park, putting people out of work. Now the statues are in their way. Why don't they put money and time in getting homeless people off the streets and in shelters? Why don't they spend time in getting the criminal gangs off the streets who are killing innocent people? And why don't they spend more time in checking on the Administration for Children's Services — or do they only check when a child has been murdered? Come on, Mr. Mayor, spend time on matters that count, not statues! The pigeons love them! Lillian Zimmerman

Alcohol’s dangers vs. pot

Lake Hiawatha, N.J.: Obviously, Voicer Phil Serpico has never been subject to growing up in a household with an alcoholic or he would not have made that ridiculous and idiotic statement. More families, children and people have either died or gone through severe trauma that will haunt them throughout the remainder of their lives. People who cannot cope? You have no idea about people who cannot cope. You need a reality check on life. Talk to people who have suffered mental abuse. I read Voice of the People every day and have seen some ignorant letters; yours is right up there. Do you drink? Ken Higgins